THE Liverpool International tennis tournament suffered a major blow last night with the withdrawal of the world number one doubles pairing, the Bryan brothers.

Mike Bryan – one half of the world’s top tennis partnership – sustained a wrist injury in training which has also put his Wimbledon participation in doubt.

As a result, twin brother Bob will also not travel.

Organisers have called up three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Mark Knowles as one of the replacements for the event, which starts in Calderstones Park tomorrow.

Tournament director Anders Borg said: “This is, of course, a big blow for us, but we still have plenty of top tennis talent on display and ticket sales have been very strong.”

The headline attraction is iconic American star John McEnroe, while former ladies world number one Martina Hingis returns after her successful appearance last year.

The Liverpool International has been hit by similar blows in the past.

Last summer Robin Soderling, fresh from his shock upset of Rafael Nadal at the French Open, arrived on Merseyside with a chest infection and was only able to make a walk-on part, while, the previous year, Bjorn Borg was bitten by his neighbour’s dog at a family barbecue and again was restricted to an introductory appearance.

Organisers are still happy with the quality of the line-up, however, ticket sales have been good and the weather forecast for the start of the tournament is excellent.